AFCON 2027 Host Cities in Tanzania: Where Fans Will Stay in Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Zanzibar

Tanzania's AFCON 2027 matches are expected in three places: Dar es Salaam at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Arusha at the new stadium at Olmoti, and Zanzibar at Amaan Stadium and the new Fumba stadium. Fans will look for rooms close to the stadiums, in city centres and near good transport. In Dar es Salaam that means areas around the stadium, the city centre and the main roads and BRT lines. In Arusha, the town centre and areas along the main roads, with many fans also using lodges around Usa River and Lake Duluti. In Zanzibar, Stone Town, Fumba and nearby areas, plus the beach areas for fans who combine football and holiday. The tournament is planned for about 19 June to 17 July 2027. Final match allocations come from CAF.

This guide helps property owners understand demand in each city. It is not a travel guide or an official list of venues.

Dar es Salaam

• Stadium: Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, with about 60,000 seats, in Temeke near the older Uhuru Stadium. It has been upgraded for the tournament.

• Why demand will be high: Dar es Salaam is the main entry point, with the biggest airport, most flights, the port and the SGR terminal. Many fans will arrive here even if their team plays elsewhere.

• Where fans may stay:

• Tips for owners: traffic is heavy, so units near the stadium or on good transport routes will be easiest to fill. Power backup and water storage matter a lot in Dar es Salaam. See rental apartments in Dar es Salaam.

Arusha

• Stadium: a new stadium at Olmoti in Arusha, around 30,000 seats, built for AFCON 2027.

• Why demand will be high: Arusha is the gateway to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Kilimanjaro. Many fans will combine matches with a safari. Hotel investors have been pushed to finish new properties, including near Lake Duluti, before the tournament.

• Where fans may stay:

• Tips for owners: Arusha nights can be cool, so guests want warm bedding and hot water. Groups combining football and safari often book for a week or more. See building a house in Arusha.

Zanzibar

• Stadiums: Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar city, renovated, and a new stadium being built at Fumba.

• Why demand will be high: Zanzibar is already a major tourist destination. Fans may come for matches and stay for the beaches. June and July are part of the busy tourist season, so rooms could be tight.

• Where fans may stay:

• Tips for owners: licensing is handled by Zanzibar's own tourism authorities. Coastal buildings need extra care against salt and damp. See the Zanzibar property guide.

Travel between cities

Fans may follow their team between Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, and between Tanzanian cities. Main links:

• Dar es Salaam to Arusha: flights, or long road trips by bus or car.
• Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar: ferries and short flights.
• Arusha to Nairobi: road links across the border at Namanga, and flights.
• Within Tanzania: the SGR currently links Dar es Salaam with Morogoro and Dodoma, which are not expected AFCON venues but are useful for some travellers.

Owners near airports, ferry terminals and bus stations may see short stays from fans in transit.

What should property owners prepare?

In all three cities: safety, cleanliness, Wi-Fi, a TV for matches, clear directions and quick replies. Our AFCON 2027 Airbnb guide walks through the preparation step by step.

Fans moving between Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda

AFCON 2027 is shared by three countries, so many fans will cross borders. A fan whose team plays a group match in Arusha and the next one in Nairobi or Kampala may stay one or two nights in each city. This means:

• Shorter stays for many guests, often two to four nights.
• More demand near transport: airports, the Namanga border route between Arusha and Nairobi, and long-distance bus terminals.
• Interest in East Africa travel passes and visas. Hosts who share simple, correct travel information get better reviews.

Who will stay in each city?

Design your offer around your city's mix. A Dar es Salaam unit should stress transport and power backup. An Arusha unit should mention safari links and warm bedding. A Zanzibar unit should mention the beach, the old town and the airport.

Setting prices city by city

Prices vary a lot between areas, so look at what similar places nearby charge for June and July, then:

• Add a fair event premium on match days and the nights around them.
• Set a minimum stay of two or three nights.
• Offer a small discount for stays of a week or more, especially in Arusha and Zanzibar where fans may add tours.
• Watch the official match schedule. When CAF confirms which teams play where, demand in each city becomes clearer.

Helpful extras for hosts

• Airport or ferry pick-up, arranged with a trusted driver.
• A printed or WhatsApp guide with match-day transport tips.
• Contacts for safari and tour operators (Arusha), or boat trips and spice tours (Zanzibar).
• A place to watch matches, such as a TV with good reception or a list of nearby screens.
• Information on local SIM cards and mobile money.

Small services like these turn a simple room into a stay guests recommend.

Getting your property ready: a city checklist

For all three cities:

• Clean, safe, self-contained unit with a clear address.
• Water storage, power backup and Wi-Fi.
• A TV or nearby screen for matches.
• Licences and tax registration in order.
• Listed online by about March 2027.

Extra for Dar es Salaam: air conditioning or strong fans, mosquito nets, secure parking, directions that avoid traffic.

Extra for Arusha: warm blankets, hot water, parking for safari vehicles, contacts for tour operators.

Extra for Zanzibar: Zanzibar tourism licensing, coastal maintenance, airport and ferry transfers, beach and old-town information.

Our AFCON 2027 Airbnb guide has the full step-by-step plan.

Frequently asked questions

Which stadiums will host AFCON 2027 matches in Tanzania?

Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, the new Arusha stadium at Olmoti, and stadiums in Zanzibar (Amaan, and the new Fumba stadium) are expected. Check CAF for the final list.

Where should I stay for AFCON 2027 in Dar es Salaam?

Near the stadium in Temeke, in the city centre, or along BRT routes for easy travel. Higher-end visitors may prefer Masaki or Oysterbay.

Will Zanzibar be busy during AFCON 2027?

Likely yes, since June and July are already busy tourist months. Book or prepare rooms early.

Is Dodoma a host city for AFCON 2027?

Current plans list Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Zanzibar as Tanzania's host cities.

How far ahead will fans book accommodation?

Many fans book as soon as the match schedule and their team's venues are known. Listing your property early, from about March 2027, helps you catch those bookings.

Will Kenyan and Ugandan fans travel to Tanzania?

Many fans are likely to travel between the three host countries, especially along the Arusha to Nairobi route.

Can I rent out a room in my family house to AFCON fans?

Yes, if it is safe and you follow the registration and tax rules. A private room with its own bathroom and a separate entrance is easiest to rent.

When will the final AFCON 2027 match schedule be published?

CAF publishes the official schedule and venue allocations. Follow CAF and the Tanzania Football Federation for updates, and adjust your plans when venues are confirmed.

Is Arusha or Zanzibar better for AFCON short-lets?

Both combine football with tourism. Arusha links to safaris and Kenya; Zanzibar links to beaches. Pick the city where you already own property or know the market best.

Preparing a property in a host city?

Vika Construction renovates and fits out homes, flats and guest houses. Contact us with your location, and see our services.